Custom homes discussions and local services.
charless34
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RE: Building my dream home: went with a one-time close loan - anyone else try this route?
ONE-TIME CLOSE LOAN: NOT FOR EVERYONE? I get where you're coming from about wanting flexibility, but honestly, I’ve seen a lot of folks run into budget creep with two-time closes. Sometimes too much wiggle room means yo...
RE: Where does all the money go in a new build project?
WHERE DOES ALL THE MONEY GO IN A NEW BUILD PROJECT? Couldn’t agree more with this. I’ve seen projects where cutting corners on basics like insulation or windows ended up costing way more down the line - energy bills, ...
RE: If you had to rig up your own home security on a tight budget, what would you do?
IF YOU HAD TO RIG UP YOUR OWN HOME SECURITY ON A TIGHT BUDGET, WHAT WOULD YOU DO? That’s a solid combo - lighting plus natural barriers really does send a message. I’ve seen some neighborhoods where folks mix in tall gr...
RE: How much does your house design actually help with the weather?
I’ve seen blower door tests catch leaks that a smoke pen totally missed, especially around recessed lights and attic hatches. But yeah, the cost can add up if you’re already being thorough. Curious - has anyone here noti...
RE: Finally visualized my apartment layout and it changed everything
That’s a solid approach, but I’ll admit, I sometimes hang onto things just because I think, “Well, maybe I’ll need this random cable or old lamp one day.” Usually I don’t, but it’s tough to shake that mindset. Visualizin...
RE: Sink fixtures driving me nuts lately
Matte finishes look killer in photos, but yeah, they can be a pain with daily use. I’ve done a few homes with matte black fixtures, and every client ends up surprised by how much upkeep they need. Brushed nickel or stain...
RE: Need advice on replacing an old leaky roof
NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF That’s spot on about airflow. I’ve seen plenty of roofs with a dozen vents but barely any intake - just like you described, insulation packed tight against the eaves. It’s easy...
RE: Digging into property easements - anyone else find online tools confusing?
Couldn’t agree more - having both digital and on-the-ground info is a lifesaver. I’ve run into situations where the GIS map showed an easement running right through someone’s garden, but the old survey markers told a dif...
RE: Cleaner city air thanks to new traffic rules?
That’s honestly the perfect way to put it. I’ve seen projects where traffic rules help with noise and congestion, but dust from construction just takes over. It’s frustrating, but I do think these changes add up over tim...
RE: How do you like your construction loan funds released - big chunks or lots of little payments?
BIG CHUNKS OR LOTS OF LITTLE PAYMENTS? Honestly, I lean toward the milestone method - less paperwork, fewer headaches. But yeah, if a sub bails mid-phase, it gets messy fast. Had one guy disappear right before inspectio...
RE: Finally upgraded my living room lights - anyone else tried smart bulbs?
That’s pretty much my experience too. I swapped out a bunch of old CFLs for smart LEDs, and it was honestly way less hassle than I expected. Didn’t have to touch any wiring or switches, which is a relief since the last t...
RE: What If Your Home’s Airflow Suddenly Went Haywire?
That’s so true. I’ve seen folks spend a fortune chasing down drafts or “mystery” cold spots, only to find out it’s something simple like a rug over a vent or a piece of furniture in the wrong spot. It’s easy to get caugh...
RE: Making the switch to water-saving toilets: Worth it?
MAKING THE SWITCH TO WATER-SAVING TOILETS: WORTH IT? Totally agree - some of those “eco” toilets are more trouble than they’re worth. I’ve had a few that seemed to use less water, but only if you didn’t mind plunging ev...
RE: Appraisal came in lower than expected - now what?
It’s honestly frustrating how much the “behind the walls” stuff gets overlooked. I’ve seen buyers get wowed by a new backsplash but not care about upgraded HVAC or insulation. You’re not alone - energy efficiency just is...
RE: Dealing with itchy pink nightmare in my attic
Yeah, blown-in insulation can be a real pain if you're not super careful. I had a similar experience when we renovated our old place - thought we'd sealed everything tight, but somehow that fluffy stuff still found its w...